What was the role of the India Council established by the Government of India Act, 1858?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. To advise the Secretary of State.
The Government of India Act, 1858, ended Company rule and transferred power to the British Crown. It created the office of the Secretary of State for India, who possessed absolute authority. To assist him, a 15-member India Council was established as an advisory body. Most members were required to have served in India for at least ten years. While the Council provided expert advice on administration and finance, its role was primarily consultative, as the Secretary of State could overrule its decisions.